The Washington Nationals just made a bold move - sending left-hander MacKenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers in exchange for a package of young prospects. It’s a trade that signals a continued commitment to the long-term rebuild, but in the short term, it leaves a major hole at the top of the rotation. Gore wasn’t just another arm - he was Washington’s de facto ace, a foundational piece who had been showing flashes of the front-line starter he was projected to be.
Now, with Gore gone, the Nationals are staring down a rotation that’s young, unproven, and in need of a steadying presence. Fortunately, the free agent market still offers a few intriguing options - veterans who could bring stability, leadership, and innings to a staff that’s going to need all three. Let’s take a closer look at three pitchers who could make sense for Washington as they look to fill the void.
Chris Bassitt: The Reliable Workhorse
No, Chris Bassitt isn’t going to light up radar guns or dominate highlight reels, but what he brings is something every young rotation needs - consistency. At 37 years old, Bassitt is still proving he can get it done.
He posted a 3.96 ERA last season with a strikeout rate of 8.77 K/9, and perhaps more importantly, he’s been a model of durability. He’s made 30 or more starts in each of the last four seasons, which is no small feat in today’s game.
Bassitt’s value lies in his ability to take the ball every fifth day and give his team a chance to win. That kind of reliability could be invaluable for a Nationals team that’s likely to be managing innings and development timelines for its younger arms. He’s expected to command around $15 million annually, but with no long-term commitment likely required, a one- or two-year deal could be a smart, low-risk move for Washington.
Nick Martinez: The High-Variance Play
If Bassitt is the safe bet, Nick Martinez is the lottery ticket - albeit one with some pretty compelling upside. Martinez is coming off a down year, posting a 4.45 ERA, his worst since returning from Japan.
But that number doesn’t tell the whole story. From 2022 to 2024, Martinez was quietly one of the more effective swingmen in baseball, putting up ERA marks of 3.47, 3.43, and 3.10 in consecutive seasons.
The Nationals’ new front office has shown a willingness to bet on upside and trust their player development infrastructure. Martinez fits that mold.
At 35, he’s not a long-term piece, but there’s a real chance he could bounce back with the right tweaks. If Washington believes they can help him recapture his pre-2025 form, he could be a sneaky-good addition.
Market-wise, Martinez is expected to land somewhere around $14 million per year. Like Bassitt, he’s a candidate for a short-term deal - the kind that gives the Nationals flexibility while potentially unlocking some real value.
Zack Littell: The Younger, Steadier Option
Then there’s Zack Littell, who brings a different kind of appeal. At 30 years old, he’s younger than the other two names on this list, and he’s coming off back-to-back solid seasons.
Littell posted a 3.81 ERA in 2025 and a 3.63 ERA in 2024 - not flashy, but certainly effective. He’s not overpowering, but he knows how to pitch, leans on a ground-ball-heavy approach, and keeps his team in games.
Littell’s age makes him an interesting case. While the Nationals might prefer a shorter-term commitment, Littell could be seeking a multi-year deal, perhaps three or more years.
And honestly, that might not be a bad thing. With many pitchers hitting their prime in their early 30s, Littell could be entering the best stretch of his career.
He’s projected to earn around $13 million annually - a price that fits comfortably within Washington’s current budget.
The Bottom Line
The Nationals are clearly playing the long game, but that doesn’t mean they can afford to ignore the present. Losing Gore leaves a void that needs to be filled - not just for the sake of wins and losses, but to help shepherd along the next generation of arms. Whether it’s the steady hand of Bassitt, the upside play in Martinez, or the younger, more controllable Littell, Washington has options.
And while none of these names are going to headline the offseason, they all offer something the Nationals need right now: stability, experience, and the ability to eat innings while the kids develop. That’s how rebuilds stay on track - not just by stockpiling prospects, but by surrounding them with the right veterans to show them the ropes.